Arlington Parks and Rec launches tree advisory committee

The new five member committee will be tasked with promoting urban forestry.

A new Arlington Tree Advisory Committee will support and promote the city’s urban forestry programs through initiatives and awareness. The new committee was recently approved by the Parks and Recreation Board.

The Parks and Recreation Board is now looking to fill the five board seats. Members will serve two-year terms, serving in an advisory capacity to assist in the coordination of programs and events, recruit citizen support, and seek funding through grant sponsorships and donations. The committee will also serve to educate the public and review the city’s tree ordinance to assist with its evolution.

“There is no greater opportunity to positively influence the city’s natural environment than by serving on the Arlington Tree Advisory Committee,” said Gary Packan, assistant director of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.

The formation of the advisory committee is the latest environmental development in Arlington’s partnership with Tree City USA. The City of Arlington has been a member of Tree City USA since 1999 and has won five growth awards. Over the last three months, Arlington Forestry’s program, Let’s Enhance Arlington’s Forest (LEAF), has worked with NBA Cares and the Dallas Mavericks to plant 2,010 trees throughout the City as part of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game held at Cowboys Stadium.

Applications for the Tree Advisory Committee are now being accepted from Arlington residents. Visit www.NaturallyFun.org or contact the Forestry Division at 817-277-0434 for more information.

Source: City of Arlington